Abstract
Many devices exist which are designed to enable individuals with disabilities to travel between floors via staircases. The range of devices includes wheelchairs that descend and ascend stairs, platforms and chairs installed on the staircase, wheelchair carriers which transport the individual while occupying a wheelchair, and evacuation chairs used during emergencies.
A summary of commercially-available devices is presented, categorized by design type and usage. Specifications are provided for characteristics such as overall size, device weight, travel speed.
A summary of existing international standards and testing methods which apply to these devices is presented. A description of standards development work in the area of emergency evacuation chairs is also included.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Hedman, G.E.: Stair Descent Devices: An Overview of Current Devices and Proposed Framework for Standards and Testing. Proc Human Behavior in Fire, 4th International Symposium, Cambridge, UK (2009)
ISO 7176 - Part 24 - Wheelchairs: Requirements and Test Methods for User- Operated Stair-Climbing Devices. International Organization for Standardization. Geneva, Switzerland (2005)
ISO 7176 - Part 23 - Wheelchairs: Requirements and Test Methods for Attendant- Operated Stair-Climbing Devices. International Organization for Standardization. Geneva, Switzerland (2002)
ISO 7176 – Part 28: Requirements and Test Methods for Stair-Climbing Devices. International Organization for Standardization. Geneva, Switzerland (2009)
ASME A18.1: Safety Codes and Standards for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. New York (2008)
CSA B355-09: Lifts for Persons with Disabilities. Canadian Standards Association. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (2009)
ISO 9386-2: Power-Operated Lifting Platforms for Persons with Impaired Mobility – Rules for Safety, Dimensions, and Functional Operation; Part 2: Powered Stairlifts for Seated, Standing, and Wheelchair Users Moving in an Inclined Plane. International Organization for Standardization. Geneva, Switzerland (2000)
NFPA Life Safety Code, 101-2009. National Fire Protection Association. Quincy (2009)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this paper
Cite this paper
Hedman, G.E. (2011). Travel Along Stairs by Individuals with Disabilities: A Summary of Devices Used During Routine Travel and Travel During Emergencies. In: Peacock, R., Kuligowski, E., Averill, J. (eds) Pedestrian and Evacuation Dynamics. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9725-8_10
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9725-8_10
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-9724-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-9725-8
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)